Targeting lung fibroblasts that drive ongoing inflammation after severe flu
Understanding and targeting fibroblast activation in influenza-triggered lung inflammation and post-viral disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SANTA CRUZ · NIH-11169033
Researchers are working on treatments to calm overactive lung fibroblast cells to help people with lasting breathing problems after severe influenza.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SANTA CRUZ (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SANTA CRUZ, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11169033 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you had a severe flu that left you with ongoing breathing trouble, this project focuses on the lung support cells (fibroblasts) that keep inflammation active after the virus is gone. Scientists will study a specific group of inflammatory fibroblasts to understand why they block normal lung repair. They will use lab models and tissue studies to try strategies that turn off those fibroblasts and promote healing of the air sacs. The goal is to find approaches that could become therapies to shorten recoveries and reduce long-term lung symptoms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults who had severe influenza and continue to experience respiratory symptoms or signs of post-viral lung disease after the infection cleared.
Not a fit: People whose breathing problems are unrelated to recent viral infection or who fully recovered from flu with no persistent lung symptoms are unlikely to benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that reduce persistent lung inflammation and improve breathing and recovery after severe influenza.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior research targeting fibroblasts in lung fibrosis has shown promise in lab models and early trials, but applying these approaches specifically to post-influenza lung disease is largely new.
Where this research is happening
SANTA CRUZ, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SANTA CRUZ — SANTA CRUZ, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BOYD, DAVID FIELDING — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SANTA CRUZ
- Study coordinator: BOYD, DAVID FIELDING
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome